Juan Cruz is creating some beautifully painted polychrome pottery.  He is a son of noted potter Lois Gutierrez.  Lois made the jar and Juan, who is noted for his illustrations, painted the design using natural clay slips..  The jar is a classic water jar with a low shoulder and elongated neck.  Juan wrote a description of the jar as follows,

“This piece depicts a scene from a story of the two Blue Corn sisters who receive a special song that Grandmother Spider promises to bestow upon them.  It relates how the song they were taught was sung: Formerly we were Blue Corn women, now we are Morning Star.  With this song and other aid provided by Grandmother Spider, they were prepared for the forthcoming battle.”

The jar is truly polychrome (more than three colors of clay).  Note the intricacy of the painted designs and especially how he depicts Grandmother Spider with her basket and the web.  There is an open section of the jar and the intricate designs and the Blue Corn are tightly painted and utilize a variety of colors. There is simply a striking flow of design as the jar is turned and captures the sophistication of Juan’s painting style.  The jar has been traditionally fired outdoor and overall is a striking coloration.  It is signed on the indented bottom of the jar by both Juan and Lois.  The description is written on the back of a hand painted graphic of a Pueblo woman.  What a phenomenal addition to this piece and the painting helps to better understand how exceptional Juan is with his art.